More than 100 grams of meth, heroin and cocaine found during search

CENTER — The Center Police Department released the names and initial charges of three people suspected of dealing drugs out of the Casa de Cortez Apartments.

Authorities seized drugs, stolen property and cash during a search of two apartments Tuesday morning, June 1.

Juan Carlos Espinoza, 30, Vanessa Salazar, 29, and Michael Sisneros, 41, all of Center, were jailed after search warrants were simultaneously served at the apartment complex on June 1 by the Center Police Department.

Officers from the Monte Vista Police Department, deputies from the Saguache County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from the Colorado State Patrol assisted on the operation.

The warrants were part of an ongoing narcotics investigation involving two separate parties that authorities suspected were operating drug distribution centers out of their apartments, according to CPD. The warrants were based upon surveillance, acquired intelligence and previous drug arrests.

Several items were taken into police custody from the warrants, including more than 100 grams of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine, drug paraphernalia, over $1,000 in cash, a stolen TV, and a stolen hand safe from Big R. Authorities also recovered a suspected stolen handgun and suspected stolen tools.

Espinosa and Salazar were charged with suspicion of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance; possession of a financial device and criminal possession of identification document.

Sisneros was charged with suspicion of possession of an illegal weapon, a handgun; theft which includes possession of stolen property; and possession of drug paraphernalia.

CPD stated it had identified more stolen property and was in the process of notifying the owners; likely leading to additional charges being filed.